Predestination

Let me present to you what the Bible says about predestination. There is much confusion about the “doctrine” of predestination in the Christian community and has been for many years. Let us look at the book of Ephesians and see what the Bible has to teach us about it.

Eph.1:[1] Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus:[2] Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:[4] According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:[5] Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,[6] To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.[7] In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Let me call your attention to the phrases “in Christ”, “in him” and “in the beloved”.God has made certain assurances to those who put their trust in Jesus. Before time, God promised spiritual heavenly (not earthly) blessings to those who put their trust in Jesus. The blessings are:1) they will be found holy and without blame2) adopted as God’s children3) accepted by God4) forgiveness of sinsGOD DID NOT CHOSE WHO WOULD PUT THEIR TRUST IN JESUS BUT HE DID CHOSE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THOSE WHO DO. You have to be “in Christ” to receive these blessings. So the only question is, “how do you get in Christ?“ . ANYONE can put their trust in Christ and become a part of His body. When a person does this they then are given certain assurances and promises from God.

[8] Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:[10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:[11] In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

There is another promise to those who put their trust in Christ. God has promised before the world began to gather together all who put their trust in Christ and gives them an inheritance.

[12] That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.[13] In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

THERE YOU HAVE IT! Notice the order of the manner of getting “into Christ“.1) hear the Word2) Believe the Word3) Trust in Christ4) Sealed with the Holy Spirit.So now we know to receive the predestined promises of God all ANYONE has to do is hear, believe and trust. We as individuals are NOT predestined but ALL who will put their trust and get “in Christ” are given predestined promises from God.

[14] Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Here is another promise from God to those who believe. We are sealed until the redemption. NOTE we are not sealed until we commit a sin or as long as we do right. We are sealed until THE DAY OF REDEMPTION. This is known as eternal security. We are given certain guarantees from the Father the moment we put our trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ. God predetermined these blessings to ALL who believe.

[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,[16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;[17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:[18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of hiscalling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,[19] And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

God wants every Christian to know without any doubt the promises He has made to us. When we put our trust in Christ our worries about our salvation and eternal destiny are over. This is a promise from God to ALL who believe.

[20] Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,[21] Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:[22] And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,[23] Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

In Christ we are already sitting in Heaven. If you put your trust in Him, and ANYONE can, you become a part of His body. As a part of His body you are spiritually already sitting in heavenly places.